Meet Josh!

Zane Stevens interviews Josh Sterling, a wealth strategist at Camas Advice. Josh shares his journey from being a soccer coach to entering the financial industry. He discusses the importance of education and mentorship in his success. Josh emphasizes the value of helping others and building genuine relationships.

He also talks about his focus on educating clients and professionals about advanced planning strategies. Throughout the conversation, Josh highlights the challenges he faced in transitioning careers and the importance of staying focused. In this conversation,

Josh Sterling shares insights and advice on various topics, including balancing work and family life, setting short-term goals, starting a career, leadership, and being yourself as a leader. He also discusses his passion for sports and coaching.

Takeaways

- Education and mentorship are crucial for success in any industry.

- Building genuine relationships and helping others are key to long-term success.

- Focus on providing value and educating clients about their options.

- Challenges are opportunities for growth and learning. Balancing work and family life is a challenge that many people face in their careers. It requires staying focused and allocating time in the right areas.

- Setting short-term goals is important for personal and professional growth. Creating an education platform and achieving revenue goals are examples of short-term goals.

- One piece of advice for those starting their career is to not feel the pressure of having all the answers. It's okay to not know everything and to seek help and learn from others.

- Being yourself as a leader is crucial. Authenticity and taking care of the people around you are key qualities of effective leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Protea Conversations

01:01 Introduction to Josh Sterling

03:48 Transition from Soccer Coach to Wealth Strategist

10:26 Transition from Coach to Director

18:18 Formation of Canvas Advice

23:22 Value of Helping Others

29:58 Day-to-Day Activities

33:37 Focus on Education

37:29 Challenges and Focus

39:33 Balancing Work and Family Life

41:03 Short-Term Goals

42:34 Advice for Those Starting Their Career

45:08 Leadership

47:17 Being Yourself as a Leader

49:23 Personal Life and Coaching

49:38 Rapid Fire Questions

Connect with Josh: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshsterlinginsurance/

LinkedIn company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/camas-advice/

Hannah Smolinski, founder of Clara CFO Group, shares her journey from working at a large accounting firm to starting her own virtual CFO agency. She discusses the benefits of starting in a big accounting firm and the experience she gained.

Hannah also talks about the transition to entrepreneurship and the challenges she faced. She explains how she started a YouTube channel to provide financial guidance to small businesses and the unexpected success it brought. Hannah emphasizes the importance of building a team and empowering team members. She shares her lessons in leadership and the growth of Clara CFO Group. In this conversation, Hannah Smolinski discusses her approach to leadership, her short-term goals for Clara CFO, the vision for her YouTube channel, her personal goals, the best piece of advice she's received, advice for new accountants, and shares insights into her personal life.

Takeaways

- Starting in a big accounting firm provides valuable training, mentorship, and opportunities for professional development.

- Transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship requires taking risks and finding your unique value proposition.

- Creating content on platforms like YouTube can help establish expertise and attract clients.

- Building a team is essential for business growth and success, and empowering team members is crucial for a positive work environment.

- Leadership requires learning to delegate, hiring the right people, and continuously improving as a leader. Leadership involves leading by example and ensuring that you act in a way that you would want your team members to act.

- Short-term goals for Clara CFO include transitioning to a visionary role and achieving a 30-hour work week.

- The vision for the YouTube channel is to educate small business owners and provide them with the confidence and knowledge to make financial decisions.

- Hannah's personal goals include playing tennis and creating a comfortable home.

- The best piece of advice Hannah received is to not worry about what others think, as people are often focused on themselves.

- Advice for new accountants is to explore different opportunities within the accounting profession and pursue the path that aligns with their desired lifestyle.

- Hannah enjoys drinking decaf coffee and has a love for pizza.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:29 Experience at EY and Transition to Entrepreneurship

08:14 Benefits of Starting in a Big Accounting Firm

12:02 Transitioning to Clara CFO Group

15:12 Building Confidence as a Fractional CFO

20:01 Working with a Team at Clara CFO Group

25:09 Challenges and Lessons in Leadership

28:32 Leadership and Leading by Example

31:18 Short-Term Goals for Clara CFO

34:18 Vision for the YouTube Channel

39:10 Personal Goals

40:47 Best Piece of Advice

44:41 Advice for New Accountants

46:19 Insight into Hannah the Person

49:06 Rapid Fire Questions

Connect with Hannah:

LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-smolinski-cpa-16994aa/

YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ClaraCFO

Meet Jeremy! The teacher turned attorney. An incredible journey from helping troubled teens to keeping business owners out of trouble. A specialist in dirt, food and booze.

Jeremy Little, a partner at CMPR Attorneys, shares his career journey from being a teacher to becoming a lawyer. He discusses the challenges he faced along the way and the importance of networking and learning from others. Jeremy also talks about his role as a leader and the advice he received that helped him in his career.

In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, exploring Maine, and supporting Boston sports teams. In this episode of Protea Conversations, the host and guest discuss their favorite piece of technology and favorite childhood meal. They explore the impact of technology on their lives and how it can both simplify and complicate things. The conversation also delves into the nostalgia and memories associated with favorite childhood meals.

Takeaways

- Networking and learning from others are crucial for career growth.

- Being true to yourself and being present and engaged with others are important qualities of a leader.

- Balancing work and personal life can be challenging, but finding a groove and prioritizing is key.

- Exploring different opportunities and being open to new experiences can lead to unexpected career paths.

- Having a strong foundation in business knowledge is essential for success as a lawyer. Technology can have both positive and negative effects on our lives.

- Favorite childhood meals hold a special place in our hearts and can evoke nostalgia.

- Engaging in conversations about personal preferences can help build connections and understanding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Jeremy's Career Path

06:17 Transitioning to Law School

08:27 Working at Different Firms

12:46 Becoming a Partner

19:46 Day-to-Day as a Partner

23:24 Navigating Alcohol Beverage Law

26:06 Challenges in Jeremy's Career

30:50 Short-Term Goals 34:29 Best Piece of Advice

41:08 Leadership Advice 44:15 Jeremy's Personal Life

45:49 Rapid Fire Questions 47:03 Favorite Piece of Technology

48:00 Favorite Childhood Meal Connect with Jeremy:

LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-little-7213321/

CMPR - https://cmprlaw.com/

Protea Conversations is an enlightening leadership podcast that delves into the dynamic world of business and accounting. In each episode, we engage with seasoned leaders to unravel their unique stories, uncovering pivotal advice that has shaped their success. Our guests generously share insights and practical guidance, offering listeners valuable lessons to propel their own career trajectories. Our dialogues aim to spark ongoing discussions about the varied experiences, opportunities, and challenges confronting today's leaders. Through these conversations, we aspire to cultivate a forum where ideas on building a more diverse, inclusive, and successful professional landscape can flourish. Whether you're an aspiring leader or an established executive, our podcast offers simple yet powerful advice to accelerate your growth and broaden your understanding of leadership in today's ever-evolving global environment. Join us on Protea Conversations to be a part of this journey.

Meet Lukas Sundahl!

The creative accountant is changing the image of the industry. The TikTok star brings a new light to the term boring accountant.

Lukas is the visionary behind Accounting Couture. Lukas shares his journey from physical fitness to accounting and how he found his passion in accounting. He discusses the impact of Accounting Couture and how he uses TikTok to promote the accounting profession in a fun and engaging way. He emphasizes the importance of increasing interest in accounting and providing alternative pathways for aspiring accountants. Heshares insights on the value of apprenticeships, networking, and mentorship in accounting. He emphasizes the importance of building symbiotic relationships, avoiding burning bridges, and imparting knowledge to younger professionals. Lukas also highlights the role of creativity and sharing in his life and the significance of embracing leadership and mentorship. The conversation concludes with rapid-fire questions and closing remarks.

Takeaways

- Apprenticeships and hands-on experience can be valuable in learning and applying accounting concepts.

- Networking should be a two-way street, where you provide value to others in your network.

- Avoid burning bridges in your career as you never know when you may encounter someone again.

- Mentorship is important for both personal and professional growth

- Sharing knowledge and being open to learning from others can lead to personal and professional development.

- Embrace creativity and find ways to incorporate it into your work and personal life.

- Leadership involves mentoring others and helping them grow. Closing remarks: Strive for excellence, embrace growth, and be kind.

Connect with Lukas:

LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukasnsundahl/

Accounting Couture - https://www.accountingcouture.com/shopping

Protea Conversations is an enlightening leadership podcast that delves into the dynamic world of business and accounting. In each episode, we engage with seasoned leaders to unravel their unique stories, uncovering pivotal advice that has shaped their success. Our guests generously share insights and practical guidance, offering listeners valuable lessons to propel their own career trajectories. Our dialogues aim to spark ongoing discussions about the varied experiences, opportunities, and challenges confronting today's leaders. Through these conversations, we aspire to cultivate a forum where ideas on building a more diverse, inclusive, and successful professional landscape can flourish. Whether you're an aspiring leader or an established executive, our podcast offers simple yet powerful advice to accelerate your growth and broaden your understanding of leadership in today's ever-evolving global environment.

Join us on Protea Conversations to be a part of this journey. Follow Protea: Website - https://proteafinancial.com/blog/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/proteafinancial

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/10833176

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/protea_financial/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/FinancialProtea

Meet Carter Welch!

He is a family man who finds comfort and strength in his faith. This marketing genius for large corporations now uses his strengths to help small businesses.

Zane Stevens interviews Carter Welch, a branding, sales, and business coaching professional. Carter shares his career journey, from working in brand management for big companies like Procter & Gamble to starting his own consulting business. He emphasizes the importance of listening to clients and understanding their needs and the value of taking baby steps and starting where you are. Carter also discusses his challenges along the way and offers advice for improving leadership skills.

Takeaways

- Listen to your clients and understand their needs.

- Take baby steps and start where you are.

- Be willing to make changes and let go of things that aren't working.

- Be kind to others and treat them with respect.

- Engaging in conversations and learning from others can lead to positive transformation in leadership.

- Striving for excellence and embracing growth are key principles for success in business and life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:35 Carter's Career Before Consulting

09:45 Transition to Consulting

13:20 Carter's Daily Routine

22:58 Challenges Along the Way

43:35 Advice for Improving Leadership

46:59 Getting to Know Carter

50:11 Personal Items

50:39 The Bible

Connect with Carter: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carterwelch/

LinkedIn business - https://www.linkedin.com/company/poweredbyshirlaws/

Follow Protea:

Website - https://proteafinancial.com/blog/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/proteafinancial

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/10833176

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/protea_financial/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/FinancialProtea

Follow Zane:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zane-stevens/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/zane_stevens_

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zane_stevens_/

Meet Mark Corum! The entrepreneur who became a bookkeeper then became an app developer. In this episode of Protea Conversations,

Zane Stevens interviews Mark Corum, a visionary who seamlessly blended the world of bookkeeping and technology to create solutions that transform the accounting industry. Mark shares his journey from bookkeeper to tech innovation, entrepreneurial mindset, and experience starting an outsourced accounting company.

He also discusses his transition into programming and the similarities between accounting and programming. Mark talks about collaborating with Hector Garcia and his favorite features of Right Tool.

The conversation provides insights into Mark's career and the future of accounting. In this conversation, Mark Corum discusses his ideal work environment, the challenges he faced in his career, the importance of personal connections, and his love for board games. He emphasizes the value of flexibility and an output-based work culture. Mark also shares his short-term goals and offers advice for career success.

Takeaways

- Mark's journey from bookkeeper to tech innovation

- The importance of having an entrepreneurial mindset

- The similarities between accounting and programming

- The impact of collaboration and creating user-centric software Creating an ideal work environment involves finding a balance between personal satisfaction and professional growth.

- Challenges and setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities and career changes.

- Maintaining personal connections and scheduling time for loved ones is essential for happiness and fulfillment.

- Flexibility and output-based work cultures can lead to increased productivity and employee satisfaction.

- Short-term goals should align with personal interests and provide opportunities for growth and learning.

- Persistence and effort are key to achieving success in any career.

- Engaging in hobbies and personal interests outside of work can contribute to overall happiness and well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Proteo Conversations

00:56 Mark's Journey from Bookkeeper to Tech Innovation

03:26 Mark's Entrepreneurial Mindset

06:30 The Pooper Scooper Business

18:11 Starting an Outsourced Accounting Company

19:23 Getting into Programming

34:59 Collaborating with Hector Garcia

39:09 Favorite Features of Right Tool

40:41 Day-to-Day Life as a Bookkeeping Programmer

40:50 Ideal Work Environment

43:03 Challenges and Decision to Go into Programming

46:31 Flexibility and Output-Based Work

48:30 Short-Term Goals

49:35 Advice for Career Success

52:29 Importance of Personal Connections

53:45 Board Games and Personal Life

55:15 Rapid Fire Questions

58:18 Closing Remarks

Connect with Mark:

Website - https://righttool.app/

LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcorum/

Facebook business - https://www.facebook.com/groups/righttoolpro

Follow Zane:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zane-stevens/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/zane_stevens_

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zane_stevens_/

In this episode of Protea Conversations, host Zane Stevens interviews Andrea Christensen, the principal of H & N Christensen Company, a family-owned insurance agency.

Andrea shares her journey of carrying on the business started by her grandfather over a hundred years ago. Andrea discusses the challenges and rewards of running a family business and highlights the importance of understanding the insurance policies she sells. Andrea also emphasizes the value of serving nonprofit clients and the need for continuous education in the insurance industry. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions and closing remarks.

Takeaways

- Running a family business comes with unique challenges and rewards.

- Understanding the insurance policies you sell is crucial for providing the best service to clients.

- Serving nonprofit clients can be fulfilling and requires knowledge of their specific needs.

- Continuous education and staying up-to-date with industry changes are essential for success in the insurance industry.

- Being a good leader involves listening, caring about your team, and setting boundaries for work-life balance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Protea Conversations

01:02 Andrea's Family Business Legacy

07:04 Challenges of Running a Family Business

11:16 A Day in the Life of an Insurance Agency Principal

14:16 Serving Nonprofit Clients

26:30 Short-Term Goals and Future Plans

29:58 Best Advice Received and Given

32:41 Advice for Becoming a Better Leader

35:41 Getting to Know Andrea as a Person

43:44 Rapid Fire Questions

44:13 Closing Remarks

Connect with Andrea: Website - hncins.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-christensen-ccip-clic-wcip-25287834/